Each country on the World Race has it’s own theme. It’s own chapter in the book of experiences that are shaping me. This month was about romance.
Yes, I said Haiti.
Haiti is probably one of the darkest places we will go to this year. Spiritually, there is fear and confusion throughout the country as the main religion is voodoo. Physically, the poverty is devastating, as hurricanes have destroyed many parts of the mainland and collapsed a mountain in Jacmel, the city I was in. Emotionally, it was draining to be working amonst the “hopeless” day in and day out.
However, this month God revealed to me the beauty in the midst of the pain.
Because there is limited electricity you can see the stars for miles. The sunsets radiate among the mountains and the water is a shade of blue that unimaginable to the human eye. Yet in the midst of this, we worked with people who were hopeless. People who offered us their kids because they don’t have a way to take care of them. People whose houses were three stories high in water because of hurricanes. People who longed for something more in life but couldn’t rise above their circumstances to achieve it.
Still I can’t help but believe that God gave them this beauty to show them how much He loves them. That He is the God of Haiti. He gave creation to them.
In the midst of the trash and devastation, God revealed himself to me in ways I’ve never seen before. I was romanced by the beauty that surrounded me. I found the definition of romance in Haiti.
Speaking of romance, I am blessed to be on a team with two of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met in my life- Dave Brown and Zack Trute. Dave is a picture of strength that I look to for direction and wisdom. His confidence in his identity makes him an excellent leader and great friend. Zack has the gift of compassion and is a comfort to me when I feel overwhelmed by emotion of the Race. His calming spirit allows me to slow down and see the beauty around me.
February 14 was Valentine’s Day and we were treated like nothing but princesses. We woke up with cards and flowers next to our beds, following by chocolates after lunch, and personal notes from each of them at night. They are true portraits of what brothers should be and I feel loved and protected whenever I’m around them.
Of course, we couldn’t let them get all the glory. One of the songs our team loves to sing is the 80s love ballad “I’m the One Who Wants to be With You” by Mr. Big. So enjoy our rendition dedicated to Dave and Zack…our Valentines!
P.S.- This was shot in the dark on Jenn’s digital camera so we had to use our headlamps as light…yes, we’re cheesy. That’s just Spectacle!
